The initial appearance of the shawl was, as Mrs. G pointed out, not unlike that of a stingray.

Note: Provided for comparison purposes only.This is not an actual shawl image(image from Google images)

As the shawl progressed and the stitch count grew (this shawl pattern starts from the bottom point) it was difficult to determine that any progress was being made since the total size of the shawl never seemed to change. I started placing a pin to mark my progress at the end of each week.

Some weeks showed more progress than others.The closely spaced pins represent the hectic weeks of mid-December

The Leaf Lace Shawl has an easy and easily memorized lace pattern and a good choice, I think, for a first time lace knitter. Unfortunately, my choice of a fairly fine yarn and small needles meant nearly 10 additional chart repeats in order to get the size I wanted.

By the time I reached 622 stitches on the needle, knitting ennui threatened to derail the project since each row was taking about 40 minutes to complete. I originally planned to make the shawl larger but made the decision to end at 27 chart repeats.

The lunar landscape of the unblocked shawl

Needle Liberation Day - January 22, 2008

Unblocked shawl

Blocking(an excellent use for that newly spare bedroom)

Blocking closeup

The pattern calls for beading on the final row. I wanted some additional sparkle so I worked in extra beads in the lace edging.

Finished!

Mr. CPA took several 'FO' photos that actually show me smiling, but as luck would have it those shots did not turn out for one reason or another (as judged by me). So the official FO shot is the one of me looking mildly amused. (a totaly fortuitous shot that managed to slip in between the usual photos of me in mid-sentance, with a goofy closed-eye smile or enhanced with blurry arm movements).

Wow. It looks great on you! It's also the perfect Denise color and size, you knew just when to stop! Mostly, I'm impressed by your sheer persistence. I would have given up already! (I've mentioned you on my blog, btw, because you are such a good knitter..:)

Hey, have you lost some weight recently? I swear it looks like you have since the last photo Mr. CPA took of you in the hospital. Could have been camera angle too. Hope that didn't offend, but you look just beautiful. *grins*

Hey, I think I know that shawl! HEY-I think I know this person!-LOL! Denise-it was so good meeting you and spending time with you and Lara-wish I could've have spread myself around better! AWESOME shawl!